An online Budget Challenge simulator is giving Ceredigion residents the chance to show how they want the council budget to be spent in 2020-2021. The Budget Challenge was launched on 2 September and will close on 13 October.
The simulator will allow residents to show how they would cut £6m out of the council’s budget for the next financial year. £6m is the amount of money that the council anticipates will need to be saved in the next financial year.
Residents will be challenged to cut the budget by reducing the amount they spend on council services.
Councillor Gareth Lloyd is the Cabinet member responsible for Finance. He said, “Cuts from central government and increasing cost pressures means that we have had to make cuts to service areas. Every year we have the almost impossible job of setting the budget wanting to offer the best services to residents, while being forced to make cuts to budgets.”
“This year, we want to give residents the chance to show us how they would set and cut the council budget. After all, it is their services which are effected. After years of cuts from central government, council services are down to the bone; so any further cut is going to be painful and will have consequences for services. This is the reality of what we face, and we want residents to have their say on how this should be done.”
Despite the challenge being online only, residents who want to take part but can’t complete the online challenge will be able to get assisted digital support from council libraries. They can call to book a slot in a library by calling 01545 570 881.
Once participants have set the budget, the results can be submitted. The data that is received will be used to prepare an analysis report. The report will be given to councillors before they set the budget for 2020-21. This report will be considered alongside other evidence such as legal duties placed on the council.
03/09/2019